We had our first ever lamb on the farm this morning. We are so excited. OUr daughter got these Jacob sheep (wool sheep) because she didn't like butchering something that she spent so much time with for showing. She got four ewes and 1 ram. Mom had the baby with no problems, although now she is not wanting to bond with it. We have them penned together so hopefully she will soon take care of it. We are helping it nurse for now. The lamb was cleaned when we found it but I think that the Great Pyrenees did that. She was ckecking on the lamb constantly. A great Valentines Day present (day late) for our daughter.

-- Joanie (ber-gust@prodigy.net), February 15, 2002

Answers

The lamb will need colostrum ASAP. I'm guessing the lamb was small? She wouldn't have a second lamb stuck inside would she? I'd check to make sure!! If not then I'd give her 2 cc's of oxytocin for milk let down and it will help the ewe bond with her lamb.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), February 15, 2002.

Ross, where do I buy oxytocin? My lambs are due in four weeks. Don't have oxytocin yet. Guess I need it for emergency.

thanks Chris

-- ChrisN (chrisnass@hotmail.com), February 15, 2002.

Lamb is nursing well now and afterbirth is delivered. I never thought of oxytocin (buy it at farm stores or from Jeffers) I keep it in stock for the hogs. I will use it if needed. Where would I inject it? Thanks

-- Joanie (ber-gust@prodig.net), February 15, 2002.

I get oxytocin from my vet but I'm in Canada. Oxytocin is an IM injection so in the top side of the neck into the muscle, but if the lamb is nursing then I'd hold off. Maybe the ewe was just waiting for the afterbirth top pass.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), February 15, 2002.

I also get oxytocin from my vet, along with anything else we might need in an emergency. I put together a kit of supplies to have on hand. I can call my vet for proper dosage etc. But if I have medications on hand, it saves her a trip out in middle of the night. And has saved some ewes who needed immediate care. My vet is an hour away.Look down in older messages on sheep and goats for supplies to have on hand, etc.

-- Kate henderson (kate@sheepyvalley.com), February 15, 2002.